Systems and Methods for Detecting Powered or Powering Device Configuration Via Ethernet Connection

ABSTRACT

Provided is a method for detecting a PoE (power over Ethernet) device comprising applying a positive polarity of a first current source to one of a first and second data pairs of an Ethernet connection to a powered device (PD) and a negative polarity of the first current source to the other of the first and second data pairs, applying a positive polarity of a second current source to a first spare pair of the Ethernet connection and a negative polarity of the first current source to a second spare pair of the Ethernet connection, simultaneously measuring a first voltage across the first current source and a second voltage across the second current source, discontinuing application of the first current source and measuring a third voltage across the second current source, and determining a configuration of the PD using the measured first, second and third voltages.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to detection protocols. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to detection protocols fordetecting a configuration of a device connected via Ethernet connection.

2. Background Art

Power over Ethernet (also known as PoE) is a technology that allowselectronic devices such as IP telephones, wireless LAN Access Points,Security network cameras and other IP-based terminals to receive power,in parallel to data, usually over an existing CAT-5 or similar Ethernetinfrastructure without the need to make modifications to theinfrastructure. PoE integrates data and power on the same wires and doesnot interfere with concurrent network operation. However implementationof PoE solutions involves numerous challenges. First and foremost, thesolution must closely comply with communication and safety standards.

As PoE technology continues to advance, there is an increasing need toensure newer technologies and protocols used within PoE devices remaincompatible with conventional configurations while also offering theability to detect when a connected device is compatible with these newertechnologies and protocols, providing for a safe activation of such newcommunication and/or power features between connected, mutuallycompatible devices. This detectability should be, preferably, on thephysical layer of emerging devices such that conventional power up andcommunication between connected devices is not required to identify adevice as being compatible with a new set of protocols or features.However, because detection is required on the physical layer, deviceswhich implement new technologies require a physical difference in thecircuitry and an associated method of detection such that detection onthe physical layer is possible when a detection power pulse is appliedto such a device.

In a conventional PoE arrangement a power sourcing equipment device(PSE) is connected to a powered device (PD) via an Ethernet cable. FIG.1 b shows a typical Ethernet cable 130, also known as a medium-dependentinterface (MDI or RJ-45), as commonly used in PoE applications. TheEthernet cable 130 serves as the data/power interface between Ethernetelements, for example between a PSE and a PD. Ethernet cable 130includes 8 conductors arranged into 4 pairs. Conductor 1 and 2 comprisea first data pair 132, conductors 3 and 6 comprise a second data pair134, conductors 4 and 5 comprise a first spare pair 136 and conductors 7and 8 comprise a second spare pair 138. Each Ethernet cable 130 includesa modular connector 140 at each terminating end, thus allowing universalconnection between any PSE and PD designed for use in a PoE application.Under IEEE 802.3 at standard a PSE has two optional connection methodsto deliver power from a PSE to a connected PD, Alternative A & B. Table1 details the two power feeding alternatives.

TABLE 1 PSE Pinout alternatives Alternative A Alternative A AlternativeB Conductor (MDI-X) (MDI) (All) 1 Negative V_(PSE) Positive V_(PSE) 2Negative V_(PSE) Positive V_(PSE) 3 Positive V_(PSE) Negative V_(PSE) 4Positive V_(PSE) 5 Positive V_(PSE) 6 Positive V_(PSE) Negative V_(PSE)7 Negative V_(PSE) 8 Negative V_(PSE)

According to IEEE 802.3 at standard, “Alternative A” allows power to besupplied to a PD via first and second data pairs 132,134 only, in eitherpolarity. For example, a positive polarity applied to conductors 1, 2 offirst data pair 132 and a negative polarity applied to conductors 3, 6of second data pair 134, is “Alternative A (MDI)”. Where this sameconnection is made, but with polarities reversed, “Alternative A(MDI-X)” is utilized. IEEE 802.3 at standard alternatively allow powerto be supplied via first and second spare pairs 136,138, but in just onepolarity. “Alternative B” requires that a positive polarity be appliedto conductors 4, 5 of first spare pair 136 and a negative polarity beapplied to conductors 7, 8 of second spare pair 138. Thus, the IEEE802.3 at standard prohibits a compliant PSE from applying power to all 4pairs simultaneously and a compliant PD from receiving power from all 4pairs simultaneously. Under the IEEE 802.3af standard, each conductorpair is rated to carry a maximum of approximately 15 watts. Under theIEEE 802.3 at standard, each conductor pair is rated to carry a maximumof approximately 30 watts. Thus, a device which utilizes Alternative Aor B, as disclosed above, to either provide or receive power may becommonly called a 2-pair or 30 watt device.

Thus, an IEEE 802.3 at compliant PSE can provide power to a connected PDvia first and second data pairs 132,134 in either polarity, or via firstand second spare pairs 136,138 with positive polarity applied only tofirst spare pair 136 comprising conductors 4, 5.

Though not strictly within the ambit of the IEEE standard, there arealso some devices in which power is applied via all 4 pairs, 30 W eachand up to 60 W combined, but in which the rest of the IEEE standard ismaintained in spirit. Thus, these 4-pair PSE devices will apply power onall 4 pairs according to Alternative A, both possibilities of eitherpolarity, combined with power according to Alternative B or singlepolarity, thus utilizing all 4 pairs of the Ethernet cable. However, inaccordance with the IEEE standard, in such 4-pair cases, to keep to theunderlying spirit of IEEE802.3 at and also for maintaining backwardscompatibility, power is usually never applied in the reverse polarity ofAlternative B.

FIG. 2 discloses a system 200 including a conventional PD 220. To becompatible with both Alternative A power arrangements, first and seconddata pairs 132,134, comprising conductors 1, 2 and 3, 6 respectively,are input to first and second input terminals of a first full-waverectifier 222. Although not expressly required according to IEEEstandards, all known or practical commercial PDs, for example PD 220,also input first and second spare pairs 136,138, comprising conductors4, 5 and 7, 8 respectively, into a second full-wave rectifier 224. Astandard IEEE signature resistor R1 having a resistance of, for example,25 kΩ is then connected across the outputs of first and second full-waverectifiers 222,224 such that a first terminal of resistor R1 isconnected across the rectified positive rails of both first and secondfull-wave rectifiers 222, 224 and a second terminal of resistor R1 isconnected across the rectified negative rails of both first and secondfull-wave rectifiers 222,224. Thus, if a reverse polarity of theAlternative B connection scheme is applied to conventional PD 220 at thespare pair inputs 136,138 such that the negative polarity is applied tosecond spare pair 138, comprising conductors 4, 5, the voltage acrossand current through signature resistor R1 of conventional PD 220 is thesame as with Alternative B. Thus, conventional PD 220 cannotdistinguish, on the physical layer, between a PSE which applies an IEEEcompliant, Alternative B polarity power from a PSE which applies areverse Alternative B polarity, the significance of which will becomeapparent when describing the present invention.

Moreover, because currents passing through first and second full-waverecitifiers 222,224 will always pass through signature resistor R1, andwill pass through in the same direction, a PSE applying a detectionpower pulse will not be able to distinguish between different PDs, onthe physical layer, based solely on application of detection voltagepulses, having particular polarities, to data pairs 132,134 and sparepairs 136,138, the significance of which will also become apparent whendescribing the present invention. Thus, conventional applications of PoEdo not allow for the mutual detection of emerging devices having addedfunctional capabilities, on the physical layer, such that conventionalpower up and communication between connected devices is not required toidentify a device as being compatible with a new set of protocols orfeatures.

Accordingly, there is a need to overcome the drawbacks and deficienciesin the art by providing a physical design and associated detectionprotocol that is relatively inexpensive and simple to implement but thatallows backwards compatibility with older PoE devices while alsooffering detection of a connected device capable of utilizing these newfeatures or protocols on the physical layer without having to blindlypower up, and communicate with, the connected device to make such adetermination.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present application is directed to systems and methods for detectingpowered and/or powering device configuration via Ethernet connection,substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at leastone of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the present invention will become morereadily apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art after reviewingthe following detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 a presents a diagram of a system implementing a detectionprotocol for detecting a configuration of a device connected viaEthernet connection, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 1 b presents a diagram of an Ethernet cable connection as used by asystem implementing a detection protocol for detecting a configurationof a device connected via Ethernet connection, according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 presents a circuit diagram of a conventional powered device (PD)as used in a Power over Ethernet (PoE) system.

FIGS. 3 a-3 b present circuit diagrams of a system including a novel PSEand a novel PD implementing a detection protocol for detecting aconfiguration of a device connected via Ethernet connection, accordingto one embodiment of the present invention

FIG. 4 presents a flowchart illustrating a method implementing adetection protocol for detecting a configuration of a device connectedvia Ethernet connection, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 5 a-5 d present circuit diagrams of a conventional IEEE-compatible30-watt (2-pair) power sourcing equipment device (PSE) connected to anovel powered device (PD) utilizing a detection protocol for detecting aconfiguration of a device connected via Ethernet connection, accordingto one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 6 a-6 b present circuit diagrams of a novel PSE, according to anembodiment of the present invention, connected to a conventional IEEEcompatible 30-watt (2-pair) PD, the novel PSE utilizing a detectionprotocol for detecting a configuration of a device connected viaEthernet connection, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 7 a-7 b present circuit diagrams of a novel PSE connected to aconventional IEEE compatible 60-watt (4-pair) PD, the novel PSEutilizing a detection protocol for detecting a configuration of a deviceconnected via Ethernet connection, according to one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 8 a-8 c present circuit diagrams of a conventional IEEE compatible60-watt (4-pair) power sourcing equipment device (PSE) connected to anovel powered device (PD) utilizing a detection protocol for detecting aconfiguration of a device connected via Ethernet connection, accordingto one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present application is directed to a system, and associated method,employing a detection protocol for detecting a configuration of a deviceconnected via Ethernet connection. The following description containsspecific information pertaining to the implementation of the presentinvention. One skilled in the art will recognize that the presentinvention may be implemented in a manner different from thatspecifically discussed in the present application. Moreover, some of thespecific details of the invention are not discussed in order not toobscure the invention. The specific details not described in the presentapplication are within the knowledge of a person of ordinary skill inthe art.

The drawings in the present application and their accompanying detaileddescription are directed to merely exemplary embodiments of theinvention. To maintain brevity, other embodiments of the invention,which use the principles of the present invention, are not specificallydescribed in the present application and are not specificallyillustrated by the present drawings. Unless noted otherwise, like orcorresponding elements among the figures may be indicated by like orcorresponding reference numerals. Moreover, the drawings andillustrations in the present application are generally not to scale, andare not intended to correspond to actual relative dimensions.

FIG. 1 a shows a System 100 implementing a detection protocol fordetecting a configuration of a device connected via Ethernet connection,according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1a, System 100 includes power sourcing equipment device (PSE) 110 andpowered device (PD) 120 connected to one another by way of, for example,an Ethernet cable connection 130 which includes first and second datapairs 132 and 134, respectively, and first and second spare pairs 136and 138, respectively. In operation, PSE 110 may be configured toutilize first and second data pairs 132,134 and first and second sparepairs 136,138 to power PD 120 which may be, by way of example, an IPtelephone, wireless LAN Access Point, Security network camera or otherIP-based terminal.

The present invention will now be discussed with reference to FIGS. 3 a,3 b and 4. Turning to FIG. 3 a, FIG. 3 a discloses a system 300including novel PSE 310 and PD 320, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. PSE 310 contains a design which offers compatibilitywith conventional PDs but may also include special features which allowit to be readily distinguishable from a conventional PSE, on thephysical layer, by a PD of the present invention, for example PD 320,thus allowing activation of modes of operation including features onlycompatible with novel PD 320, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. PD 320 may be compatible with conventional, IEEE-compliantPSEs, but also includes special features which allow it to be readilydistinguishable from a conventional PD, on the physical layer, by a PSEof the present invention, for example PSE 310, thus allowing activationof modes of operation including features only compatible with a novel PD320, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Thus, PSE 310and PD 320 do not require conventional power up and communication with aconnected device in order to identify such a device as being compatiblewith a new set of protocols or features of the present invention.

As previously stated, according to the IEEE standard, a PSE isprohibited from applying power to an Ethernet connected PD in a reversepolarity of Alternative B, that is, with positive polarity applied to asecond spare pair 138, comprising Ethernet pins 7,8, and a negativepolarity applied to a first spare pair 136, comprising Ethernet pins4,5. Thus, a novel PSE 310 of one embodiment of the present inventiontakes advantage of this restriction on conventional PSEs and applies areverse polarity of Alternative B as described above. As can be seen inFIG. 3 a, PSE 310 may include a first current source 312 and secondcurrent source 314. First current source 312 may be connected to firstand second data pairs 132,134, comprising conductors 1, 2 and 3, 6respectively, of Ethernet connected PD 320. This step may further bedisclosed as step 410 of flowchart 400 in FIG. 4. Although not shown inFIG. 3 a, PSE 310 may be capable of also applying first current source312 in a polarity opposite of that shown. PSE 310 also includes secondcurrent source 314, which is connected such that a negative polarity isconnected to a first spare pair 136 of Ethernet cable 130, comprisingconductors 4, 5, and a positive polarity is connected to a second sparepair 138, comprising conductors 7, 8. This step may be further disclosedas step 420 of flowchart 400 in FIG. 4. First and second current sources312,314 may be configured to apply a detection current of 0.2 mA, forexample, to an attached PD in order to identify the configuration of theattached PD.

According to FIG. 3 a, novel PD 320 may include a first full-waverectifier 322 and second full-wave rectifier 324 each having first andsecond input terminals, a rectified positive rail and a rectifiednegative rail. As can be seen, Ethernet inputs may be connected suchthat first data pair 132, comprising conductors 1, 2, is connected to afirst input terminal of first full-wave rectifier 322 and second datapair 134, comprising conductors 3, 6, is connected to the second inputterminal of first full-wave rectifier 322. Further, first spare pair136, comprising conductors 4, 5, may be connected to the first inputterminal of second full-wave rectifier 324 and second spare pair 138,comprising conductors 7, 8, may be connected to the second inputterminals of second full-wave recitifier 324. PD 320 further contains afirst signature detection resistor R1 having first terminal connected tothe rectified positive rail of both first and second full-waverectifiers 322,324 and a second terminal connected to the rectifiednegative rail of both first and second full-wave rectifiers 322,324.However, in order to avoid the shortfalls of conventional PD design, PD320 may further include a second signature resistor R2 which allows PD320 to detect when a reverse Alternative B polarity is applied to itsfirst and second spare pair inputs 136,138, as is done exclusively bynovel PSE 310. Thus, R2 has a first terminal connected to the rectifiedpositive rail of both first and second full-wave rectifiers 322,324,just as first signature detection resistor R1, however the secondterminal of R2 is connected to the first spare pair input 136,comprising conductors 4, 5. Thus, the R2 in effect allows an extractionof a half-wave rectification from the second full-wave rectifier 324.Both R1 and R2 may have a value of 25 kΩ, according to IEEE 802.3-atspecifications.

Thus, PSE 310 may now simultaneously apply a detection pulse from firstand second current sources 312,314 to PD 320 and simultaneously measurea first voltage across first current source 312 and a second voltageacross second current source 314 during the detection pulses. This stepmay be further disclosed as step 430 of flowchart 400 in FIG. 4.

The operation of PD 320 during the simultaneous detection pulses willnow be discussed with reference to FIGS. 3 a, 3 b, and 4. When adetection pulse is applied via first and second current sources 312,314of PSE 310, a current of, for example, 0.2 mA will flow into each offirst and second full-wave rectifiers 322,324 and out of the rectifiedpositive rail of each of first and second full-wave recitifiers 322,324.0.2 mA will flow through R1 causing 0.1 mA to flow back to the rectifiednegative rail of the second full-wave rectifier 324 and return to thenegative polarity of second current source 314 via first spare pair 136,and conductors 4, 5, and 0.1 mA to flow back to the rectified negativerail of the first full-wave rectifier 322 and return to the negativepolarity of first current source 312 via second data pair 134, andconductors 3, 6. Because 0.2 mA flows through R1, a voltage drop of 5Vwill be induced across R1. Thus, a voltage at the first terminal of R2will also be 5V and a 0.2 mA current will also flow through R2, bypassfirst and second full-wave rectifiers 322,324 and return to PSE 310 viafirst spare pair 136, comprising conductors 4, 5. During thesimultaneous detection pulses, the voltage at the first and secondterminals of R2 may be measured by PD 320. This step may be furtherdisclosed by step 460 of flowchart 400 in FIG. 4. In this case,neglecting diode voltage drops, the voltage at the first terminal of R2would be VA=5V and the voltage at the second terminal of R2 would beVB=0V. These two voltages may then be used by PD 320 to determine theconfiguration of a connected PSE, as disclosed in step 470 of flowchart400 in FIG. 4, to determine whether a connected PSE is a novel PSE ofthe present invention, having capability to utilize special or advancedfeatures in its operation.

As disclosed by step 440 of flowchart 400 in FIG. 4, the application ofcurrent via first current source 312 is then discontinued bydisconnecting first current source 312 and then applying anotherdetection pulse via second current source 314. A circuit representativeof such a step is shown in FIG. 3 b. It should be understood that thecircuit of FIG. 3 b is the same as the circuit of FIG. 3 a except thatfirst current source 312 is disconnected from PD 320. Thus, commonnumerals between FIGS. 3 a and 3 b represent the same elements.

When a detection pulse is applied via second current source 314 of PSE310, a current, of, for example, 0.2 mA will flow into second full-waverectifier 324 and out of the rectified positive rail of second full-waverecitifier 324. 0.1 mA will flow through each of R1 and R2 causing 0.1mA to flow back to the rectified negative rail of the second full-waverectifier 324 and 0.1 mA to flow back directly to the first spare pair136, bypassing second full-wave rectifier 324. Thus, 0.2 mA willcollectively return to the negative polarity of second current source314 via first spare pair 136 and conductors 4, 5. Because 0.1 mA flowsthrough each of R1 and R2, a voltage of 2.5V will be induced across R1and across R2. Thus, a voltage at the first terminal of R2 will also beVA=2.5V and a voltage at the second terminal of R2 will be VB=0V. Thesevoltages at the first and second terminals of R2 may be measured by PD320, as disclosed by step 460 of flowchart 400 in FIG. 4. These twovoltages may then be used by PD 320 to determine the configuration of aconnected PSE, as disclosed in step 470 of flowchart 400 in FIG. 4, todetermine whether a connected PSE is a PSE of the present invention,having capability to utilize special or advanced features in operation.It is at this point that a third voltage, across second current source314, may also be measured by PSE 310. In this case, this voltage wouldbe V3=2.5V. Thus, the first and second voltages, measured across firstand second current sources 312,314 respectively, and the third voltage,measured across second current source 314, may be used by PSE 310 todetermine the configuration of a connected PD 320, as disclosed in step450 of flowchart 400 in FIG. 4, to determine whether a connected PD is aPD of the present invention, having capability to utilize special oradvanced features in operation. If a connected PD is determined by PSE310 to be a PD of the present invention, for example PD 310, additionalspecial or advanced features may be activated in both PSE 310 and PD320.

Thus, where a PD according to an embodiment of the present invention isinvolved, the PD may distinguish between a conventional PSE and a PSEaccording to an embodiment of the present invention, based on thevoltages at two nodes being monitored by PD 320. Similarly, PSE 310 candistinguish between a conventional PD and a PD, according to anembodiment of the present invention, based on simultaneous voltagedetection across the data and spare pairs and subsequent voltagedetection across only the spare pairs, by PSE 310.

In addition to being able to detect a connected device which supportsadditional special or advanced features, PSE 310 and PD 320 must also bebackward compatible with conventional PDs and PSEs, respectively. FIGS.5 a-8 c disclose various combinations of conventional devices connectedto either a PSE or PD according to an embodiment of the presentinvention to demonstrate that PSE 310 and PD 320 of the presentinvention also accomplish this requirement of backward compatibility.

FIGS. 5 a-5 d each disclose a System 500 including a conventional30-watt (2-pair) PSE 510 from which power may be supplied to a PD 520according to the present invention, according to either Alternative AMDI, Alternative A MDI-X, or Alternative B, as disclosed previously. Itshould be understood that PD 520 contains the same circuit as PD 320,disclosed in FIGS. 3 a and 3 b. Thus, all numerals and elements withinPD 520 may correspond to similar numerals and elements within PD 320.

FIG. 5 a discloses a circuit wherein conventional 30-watt (2-pair) PSE510 is connected to PD 520 according to Alternative A MDI. A firstcurrent source 512 is connected across first and second data pairs132,134 such that a positive polarity is present on the first data pair132, comprising conductors 1, 2. Thus, the negative polarity of firstcurrent source 512 is present on second data pair 134 comprisingconductors 3, 6. When a detection pulse is applied via first currentsource 512 of PSE 510, a current of, for example, 0.2 mA will flow intofirst full-wave rectifier 522 and out of the rectified positive rail offirst full-wave recitifier 522. Because there is no return path to firstcurrent source 522 through either of first or second spare pairs 136,138comprising conductors 4, 5 and 7, 8, respectively, all 0.2 mA will flowthrough R1 to the rectified negative rail of the first full-waverectifier 522, causing a voltage drop of 5V across R1. Because nocurrent flows through R2, there will not be a voltage drop across R2.Thus, a voltage at the first terminal of R2 will be VA=5V and a voltageat the second terminal of R2 will also be VB=5V. It is important to notethat any conventional IEEE 802.3-at compliant PSE, prohibited from beingconnected to a PD in a reverse-polarity to Alternative B, connected toPD 520, will induce a voltage across R2 which is the same on both firstand second terminals of R2 specifically due to the circuit arrangementof novel PD 520 disallowing a current to flow through R2. Because thereis a voltage of, for example, 5V at both terminals of R2, PD 520 may seethat only R1 is getting the detection current pulses and may thereforeconclude that there is an IEEE-compliant PSE connected to it and maytherefore restrict itself to IEEE 802.3 at compliant behavior. Theconventional PSE 510 would sense only signature resistor R1, having avalue of, for example, 25 kΩ and commence with startup of a powerupsequence.

FIG. 5 b discloses the same PSE 510 connected to PD 520, but nowaccording to Alternative A MDI-X, such that a positive polarity ispresent on the second data pair 134, comprising conductors 3, 6 and thenegative polarity of first current source 512 is present on first datapair 132, comprising conductors 1, 2. When a detection pulse is appliedvia first current source 512 of PSE 510, a current of, for example, 0.2mA will flow into first full-wave rectifier 522 in the reverse directionas in FIG. 5 a. However, because of the operation of first full-waverectifier 522, all currents through and voltages across signatureresistors R1 and R2 will be the same as in FIG. 5 a. Thus, PD 520 mayconclude that there is an IEEE-compliant PDE connected to it and maytherefore restrict itself to IEEE 802.3 at compliant behavior. Theconventional PSE 510 would sense only signature resistor R1 having avalue of, for example, 25 kΩ and commence with startup of a powerupsequence.

FIG. 5 c discloses the same PSE 510 connected to PD 520, but nowaccording to Alternative B, such that a positive polarity of secondcurrent source 514 is present on the first spare pair 136, comprisingconductors 4, 5, and the negative polarity of second current source 514is present on second spare pair 138, comprising conductors 7, 8. When adetection pulse is applied via second current source 514 of PSE 510, acurrent of, for example. 0.2 mA will flow into second full-waverectifier 524 and out of the rectified positive rail of second full-waverecitifier 524. Because the first terminal of R2 is connected to thepositive polarity of second current source 514 via second full-waverectifier 524 and the second terminal of R2 is connected to the positivepolarity of second current source 514 via first spare pair 136comprising conductors 4, 5, no current will flow through R2. Thus, all0.2 mA will flow through R1 causing a voltage drop of 5V across R1.Thus, the voltage at both first and second terminals of R2 will beVA=VB=5V. Thus, PD 520 may conclude that there is an IEEE-compliant PSEconnected to it and may therefore restrict itself to IEEE802.3at-compliant behavior. The conventional PSE 510 would sense onlysignature resistor R1, having a value of, for example, 25 kΩ andcommence with startup of a powerup sequence.

FIG. 5 d discloses the same PSE 510 connected to PD 520 according to aprohibited reverse polarity of Alternative B, such that a positivepolarity of second current source 514 is present on the second sparepair 138, comprising conductors 7, 8, and the negative polarity ofsecond current source 514 is present on first spare pair 136, comprisingconductors 4, 5. All measurable currents would flow in PD 520 exactly asdescribed for PD 320 of FIG. 3 b. Thus, the voltage across secondcurrent source 514 would be 2.5V, the voltage at first terminal of R2would be VA=2.5V and the voltage at second terminal of R2 would beVB=0V. In this case, PD 520 would incorrectly conclude that PSE 510 wasa PSE according to an embodiment of the present invention, however,because current flows equally through both R1 and R2 in this scenario,PSE 510 would sense both R1 and R2 in parallel with each other, anequivalent resistance of only 12.5 kΩ. According to the IEEE 802.3-atstandard, a sensed signature resistance of less than 15 kΩ requires thatPSE 510 not power up. Thus, this result is acceptable because theIEEE-compliant PSE 510 prevents a power up in this situation. Thus, a PD520 according to an embodiment of the present invention isbackward-compatible with IEEE-compliant 30-watt (2-pair) PSEs.

FIGS. 6 a-6 b disclose a System 600 including PSE 610, according to anembodiment of the present invention, from which power may be supplied toa conventional IEEE-compliant 30-watt (2-pair) PD 620. It should beunderstood that PSE 610 contains the same circuit as PD 310, disclosedin FIGS. 3 a and 3 b. Thus, all numerals and elements within PSE 610correspond to similar numerals and elements within PSE 310. Moreover, itshould be understood that PD 620 contains substantially the same circuitas PD 220, depicted in FIG. 2. Thus, all numerals and elements within PD620 correspond to similar numerals and elements within PD 220.

In FIG. 6 a, a PSE 610, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention, simultaneously applies a detection pulse from first andsecond current sources 612,614 to PD 620 and simultaneously measures afirst voltage across first current source 612 and a second voltageacross second current source 614 during the detection pulses, aspreviously described regarding FIG. 3 a and step 430 of FIG. 4. Whensimultaneous detection pulses are applied from PSE 610, first currentsource 612 will allow 0.2 mA of current to flow into first full-waverectifier 622 via first data pair 132, comprising conductors 1, 2, outthrough the positive rectified positive rail of full-wave rectifier 622,through R1, and back to first current source 612 via rectified negativerail and second data pair 134, comprising conductors 3, 6. Thus, PSE 610will measure a voltage across first current source 612 of V1=5V.However, because PD 620 is an IEEE-compliant 30-watt (2-pair) PD, due toPD design requirements, PSE 610 will read an open circuit across secondcurrent source 614.

In FIG. 6 b, PSE 610 discontinues application of first current source612 and measures the voltage across second current source 614 during adetection pulse, according to step 440 of FIG. 4. PSE 610 may allow 0.2mA of current to flow into second full-wave rectifier 624 via secondspare pair 138, comprising conductors 7, 8, out through the positiverectified positive rail of second full-wave rectifier 622, through R1and back to second current source 614 via rectified negative rail andfirst spare pair 136, comprising conductors 4, 5. Thus, PSE 610 willmeasure a voltage across second current source 614 of V3=5V, accordingto step 440 of FIG. 4. Thus, PSE 610 will deduce that it is connected toan IEEE 802.3-at compliant 30-watt (2-pair) PD 620 and thus restrictitself to IEEE 802.3 at compliant 30-watt (2-pair) behavior. Thus, a PSE610, according to an embodiment of the present invention, isbackward-compatible with IEEE-compliant 30-watt (2-pair) PDs.

FIGS. 7 a-7 b disclose a System 700 including PSE 710, according to anembodiment of the present invention, from which power may be supplied toa conventional IEEE-compliant 60-watt (4-pair) PD 720. It should beunderstood that PSE 710 contains the same circuit as PD 310, depicted inFIGS. 3 a-b. Thus, all numerals and elements within PSE 710 correspondto similar numerals and elements within PSE 310. Moreover, it should beunderstood that PD 720 of FIG. 7 a contains substantially the samecircuit as PD 220, depicted in FIG. 2. Thus, all numerals and elementswithin PD 720 of FIG. 7 a correspond to similar numerals and elementswithin PD 220.

In FIG. 7 a, a PSE 710, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention, simultaneously applies a detection pulse from first andsecond current sources 712,714 to PD 720 and simultaneously measures afirst voltage across first current source 712 and a second voltageacross second current source 714 during the detection pulses, aspreviously described regarding FIG. 3 a and steps 410, 420 and 420 ofFIG. 4. When simultaneous detection pulses are applied from PSE 710,first current source 712 will allow 0.2 mA of current to flow into firstfull-wave rectifier 722 via first data pair 132, comprising conductors1, 2, out through the rectified positive rail of full-wave rectifier722, through R1 and back to first current source 712 via rectifiednegative rail and second data pair 134, comprising conductors 3, 6.Second current source 714 will allow 0.2 mA of current to flow intosecond full-wave rectifier 724 via second spare pair 138, comprisingconductors 7, 8, out through the rectified positive rail of secondfull-wave rectifier 724, through R1 and back to second current source714 via rectified negative rail and first spare pair 136, comprisingconductors 4, 5. Thus, because 0.2 mA from first current source 712 and0.2 mA from second current source 714 flow through R1 a voltage dropacross R1 of 10V will appear. Thus, PSE 710 will measure a first andsecond voltage across first and second current sources 712,714 ofV1=V2=10V. Due to this measured voltage drop, PSE 710 will think it seesa 50 kΩ signature resistor within PD 720. In such a case, IEEE 802.3-atcompliant PD 720 will communicate to PSE 710 via link layer discoveryprotocol (LLPD) identifying itself as a standard 60 W PD and PSE 710will operate as a standard 60-watt PSE.

In FIG. 7 b, PSE 710 applies a detection pulse from second currentsource 714 to conventional IEEE-compliant, current balanced 60-watt(4-pair) PD 730 and measures a third voltage across second currentsource 714 during the detection pulse, as previously described regardingFIG. 3 b and step 440 of FIG. 4. When spare pair detection pulses areapplied from PSE 710, second current source 712 will allow 0.2 mA ofcurrent to flow into second full-wave rectifier 724 via second sparepair 138, comprising conductors 7, 8, out through the positive rectifiedpositive rail of second full-wave rectifier 724, through R1B and back tosecond current source 714 via rectified negative rail and first sparepair 136, comprising conductors 4, 5. Because R1B is 25 kΩ and 0.2 mApass through R1B, the voltage drop across R1B, and second current source714, will be V3=5V. However, this measured voltage is twice as large asit would be if PD 730 were a PD according to an embodiment of thepresent invention, and thus PSE 710 “sees the difference”, willdesignate PD 730 as a standard 60 W PD, and may operate as a standard60-watt PSE. Thus, a PSE 710, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention, is backward-compatible with both current balanced andstandard IEEE-compliant 60-watt (4-pair) PDs.

FIGS. 8 a-8 c disclose a System 800 including a conventionalIEEE-compliant 60-watt (4-pair) PSE 810 from which power may be suppliedto a PD 820, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Itshould be understood that PD 820 contains the same circuit as PD 320,depicted in FIGS. 3 a and 3 b. Thus, all numerals and elements within PD820 correspond to similar numerals and elements within PD 320. Moreover,it should be understood that normal operation of the detection cycle ofsuch a “conventional” 60-watt PSE includes applying detection pulses ondata pairs 132,134, followed by detection pulses on the spare pairs136,138, rather than simultaneous detection on both data and sparepairs, as in the present invention. Thus, FIG. 8 a discloses a circuitwherein conventional 60-watt PSE 810 applies detection pulses to datapairs 132,134 and FIG. 8 b discloses a circuit wherein conventional60-watt PSE 810 applies detection pulses to spare pairs 136,138. Adetection of a 25 kΩ signature resistor in both instances results in aconclusion that a 4-pair configuration is present in the connected PDand 4-pair power up commences.

In FIG. 8 a, a first current source 812 is connected across first andsecond data pairs 132,134 such that a positive polarity is present onthe first data pair 132, comprising conductors 1, 2. Thus, the negativepolarity of first current source 812 is present on second data pair 134,comprising conductors 3, 6. A positive polarity of second current source814 is present on the first spare pair 136 comprising conductors 4, 5and the negative polarity of second current source 814 is present onsecond spare pair 138, comprising conductors 7, 8. However, secondcurrent source 814 is disconnected from PD 820. When a detection pulseis applied via first current source 812 of PSE 810 a current of, forexample, 0.2 mA will flow in PD 820 exactly as described above in PD 520of FIG. 5 a. Thus, a voltage at the first terminal of R2 will be thesame as the voltage at the second terminal of R2 such that VA=VB=5V.Therefore, PD 820 may conclude that there is an IEEE-compliant PSEconnected to it and may restrict itself to IEEE 802.3 at compliantbehavior.

In FIG. 8 b, first current source 812 is connected across first andsecond data pairs 132,134 such that a positive polarity is present onthe first data pair 132, comprising conductors 1, 2, the negativepolarity of first current source 812 present on second data pair 134,comprising conductors 3, 6. However, first current source 812 isdisconnected from PD 820. A positive polarity of second current source814 is present on the first spare pair 136 comprising conductors 4, 5and the negative polarity of second current source 814 is present onsecond spare pair 138 comprising conductors 7, 8. When a detection pulseis applied via second current source 814 of PSE 810, a current of, forexample, 0.2 mA will flow in PD 820 exactly as described above in PD 520of FIG. 5 d. Thus, a voltage at the first terminal of R2 will be thesame as the voltage at the second terminal of R2 such that VA=VB=5V.Thus, PD 820 may conclude that there is an IEEE-compliant PSE connectedto it and may therefore restrict itself to IEEE 802.3at-compliantbehavior.

FIG. 8 c discloses the same PSE 810 connected to PD 820 according to aprohibited reverse polarity of Alternative B, such that a positivepolarity of second current source 814 is present on the second sparepair 138, comprising conductors 7, 8, and the negative polarity ofsecond current source 814 is present on first spare pair 136, comprisingconductors 4, 5. All measurable currents would flow in PD 820 exactly asdescribed in FIG. 3 b. Thus, the voltage across second current source814 would be V3=2.5V, the voltage at first terminal of R2 would beVA=2.5V and the voltage at second terminal of R2 would be VB=0V. In thiscase, PD 820 would incorrectly conclude that PSE 810 was a PSE accordingto an embodiment of the present invention, however, because currentflows equally through both R1 and R2 in this scenario, PSE 810 wouldsense both R1 and R2 in parallel with each other, an equivalentresistance of only 12.5 kΩ. According to the IEEE 802.3-at standard, asensed resistance of less than 15 kΩ requires that PSE 810 not power up.Thus, this result is acceptable because the IEEE-compliant PSE 810prevents a power up in this situation. Thus, a PD 820 according to anembodiment of the present invention is backward-compatible withIEEE-compliant 60-watt (4-pair) PSEs.

By using a simplified structure such as that shown in FIGS. 3 a and 3 b,embodiments of the present inventive concepts leverage inexpensivecircuitry to enable very reliable detection of PSEs and PDs on thephysical layer without requiring a hard power up. Thus, embodiments ofthe present inventive concepts provide an inexpensive and simple systemand method of implementing detection protocols for reliable detection ofPSEs and PDs on the physical layer without requiring a hard power up.

From the above description of the invention it is manifest that varioustechniques can be used for implementing the concepts of the presentinvention without departing from its scope. Moreover, while theinvention has been described with specific reference to certainembodiments, a person of ordinary skill in the art would recognize thatchanges can be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand the scope of the invention. As such, the described embodiments areto be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Itshould also be understood that the invention is not limited to theparticular embodiments described herein, but is capable of manyrearrangements, modifications, and substitutions without departing fromthe scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for detecting a PoE (power overEthernet) device, the system comprising: a powered device (PD)configured to accept an Ethernet cable connection, the PD having: firstand second full-wave rectifiers, each having first and second inputterminals, a rectified positive rail and a rectified negative rail; anda resistor having a first terminal connected to the rectified positiverails of the first and second full-wave rectifiers and a second terminalconnected to the first input of the second full-wave rectifier.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising another resistor having a firstterminal connected across the rectified positive rails of both first andsecond full-wave rectifiers and a second terminal connected across therectified negative rails of both first and second full-wave rectifiers;3. The system of claim 1, further comprising first and second data pairsconnected to the first and second input terminals of the first full-waverectifier, respectively.
 4. The system of claim 1, further comprisingfirst and second spare pairs connected to the first and second inputterminals of the second full-wave rectifier, respectively.
 5. The systemof claim 4, wherein the first spare pair corresponds to an Ethernetcable pinout consisting of pins 4 and 5 and the second spare paircorresponds to an Ethernet cable pinout consisting of pins 7 and
 8. 6.The system of claim 1, wherein the resistor has a value of 25 kΩ.
 7. Thesystem of claim 2, wherein the another resistor has a value of 25 kΩ. 8.The system of claim 1, further comprising a power sourcing equipmentdevice (PSE) connected to the PD via the Ethernet cable connection. 9.The system of claim 8, wherein the PSE is configured to simultaneouslyapply a first detection current to the PD via a first and second datapairs of the Ethernet connection and a second detection current to thePD via a first and second spare pairs of the Ethernet connection. 10.The system of claim 8, wherein the PSE and PD are compatible with IEEE802.3 compatible PDs and PSEs, respectively.
 11. A method for detectinga PoE (power over Ethernet) device, the method comprising: applying apositive polarity of a first current source to one of a first and seconddata pairs of an Ethernet cable connection to a powered device (PD) anda negative polarity of the first current source to the other of thefirst and second data pairs; applying a positive polarity of a secondcurrent source to a second spare pair of the Ethernet cable connectionand a negative polarity of the first current source to a first sparepair of the Ethernet connection; simultaneously measuring a firstvoltage across the first current source and a second voltage across thesecond current source; discontinuing application of the first currentsource and measuring a third voltage across the second current source;and determining a configuration of the PD using the measured first,second and third voltages.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the firstspare pair corresponds to an Ethernet cable pinout consisting of pins 4and 5 and the second spare pair corresponds to an Ethernet cable pinoutconsisting of pins 7 and
 8. 13. The method of claim 11, furthercomprising activating additional device features in a power sourcingequipment device (PSE) connected to the PD when a desired configurationof the PD is determined.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the firstcurrent source applies a current of 0.2 mA.
 15. The method of claim 11,wherein the second current source applies a current of 0.2 mA.
 16. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the configuration of the PD is determined tobe one of an IEEE-compliant 30 watt 2-pair PD interface, anIEEE-compliant 60 watt 4-pair PD interface, or an advanced 60 watt4-pair PD interface.
 17. A method for detecting a configuration of apower supply equipment device (PSE) connected to a powered device (PD),the method comprising: simultaneously measuring a first voltage at afirst terminal of a resistor and a second voltage at a second terminalof the resistor, the resistor disposed within the PD; and determiningthe configuration of the PSE using the measured first and secondvoltages; wherein the PD further comprises first and second full-waverectifiers, the first terminal of the resistor connected to a rectifiedpositive rail of the first and second full-wave rectifiers and thesecond terminal of the resistor connected to a terminal corresponding topins 4 and 5 of a spare pair Ethernet cable connection of the PD. 18.The method of claim 17, wherein determining the configuration of the PSEfurther comprises comparing the measured first voltage to the measuredsecond voltage
 19. The method of claim 17, further comprising activatingadditional device features in the PD when a desired configuration of thePSE is determined.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the configurationof the PSE is determined to be one of IEEE-compliant 30 watt 2-pair PSEinterface, an IEEE-compliant 60 watt 4-pair PSE interface, or anadvanced 60 watt 4-pair PSE interface.